Ferrari hails 'solid' first test but expects 'intense fight' up ahead

©Ferrari

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Ferrari achieved its key objectives during F1's first pre-season test in Barcelona but insists a lot of work remains to be done to prepare for this year's "intense fight" with its rivals.

The Italian outfit's all-new F1-75 was at the sharp end of the timesheets all in Spain and delivered a strong first impression to the F1 paddock.

Mekies outlined the three main objectives that Ferrari achieved during its three days of testing at the Circuit de Catalunya where drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz covered a total of 439 laps, or 2,052 kilometres.

"Overall, this has been a solid test session for us as we completed many laps," commented Mekies after Friday's final day of running.

"We got through most of our programme, which was based around three key elements. Firstly to get an initial read on reliability, hence our primary focus on the number of laps completed.

©Ferrari

"Secondly to map several parameters of our car, from aero performance to tyre performance, to vehicle dynamics performance. We have a long list of scans to work through and we got through a fair number of them over these three days.

"Last but not least, it was important to give our drivers sufficient laps to familiarise themselves with what is a completely new car. It calls for a different driving style and a different approach to the various racing conditions."

Read also - Sainz: Ferrari 'nowhere near the limit' of F1-75

The Scuderia will now return to its base in Maranello and digest the terabytes of data collected in Barcelona before it resumes its testing program next month in Bahrain.

"We still have a lot of work ahead of us and we can expect an intense fight, so everyone has many items on their job list now," added the Frenchman.

"Our thanks must go to everyone back at the factory, who have worked so hard over the past few months to ensure we arrived at the race track well prepared.

"It’s only the first step of a long year, when we intend to push very hard, working all together."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.